Mar 14, 2023

Michigan apple growers approve continuing apple committee

Michigan apple growers have approved a referendum to continue the Michigan Apple Advertising and Promotion Program (MAAPP).

The vote also included approval of implementing proposed changes presented by the Michigan Apple Committee (MAC).

The MAAPP will continue for an additional five years beginning Sept. 1 and is scheduled to end Aug. 31, 2028.

The current assessment rates are $0.52 per hundredweight for fresh apples, $0.28 for apples sold for processing, and $0.12 for apples sold for juice.

Included are a $.04 per hundredweight for research and up to $.03 per hundredweight for promotion of U.S. apples with the United States Apple Association.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced the referendum’s results on March 14.

“The proposed changes included grammatical updates, and adding the words ‘up to’ before the assessment rates, allowing the MAC board flexibility to lower assessments if necessary,” Diane Smith, MAC’s executive director, said in a news release.

Each producer voted on two questions: one on the continuation of the MAAPP for an additional five years while the second covered proposed changes to the program.

On voting for the program’s continuation, 87% of growers voted yes while 91% voted yes to make the proposed changes to the MAAPP.

For renewal of the program and its activities, more than 50% of the voting producers, who represented more than 50% of the production of those voting, were required to approve it, according to the release.

Established in 1968, the MAAPP was developed to enhance the economic position of Michigan apple producers through advertising, promotion, and publicity programs; to conduct market development and research; and to obtain and disseminate other apple industry information important to producers.

The MAC is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world.